Representing at London Edge, February 2018!
I’m back reporting on the latest trends from the brilliant London Edge, an event showcasing the best in alternative, festival, and vintage inspired brands- perfect for my lifestyle as a Swing dancing Goth! Here I feature my stand-out trends from upcoming collections…
Being my best authentic, swing dancing, Goth self!
I’ve gushed about how awesome I find this event in my report from last September (here), but in short, this is a trade event gathering together diverse lifestyle brands, covering fashion, accessories, beauty, and homewares. Some of the biggest, as well as smaller independent subculture brands show off their latest offerings, and upcoming designs for AW18/19.
This year, key trends I noted were an emphasis on unique and quirky accessories, many brands have launched fabulous new prints and fabrics, and I noticed an influx of humour incorporated into designs- it’s going to be a fun couple of seasons!
The Seamstress of Bloomsbury
Lovely prints!
Charming vintage reproduction label, The Seamstress of Bloomsbury, not only use authentic 1940s patterns, but even commission their own replica 1940s Rayon Crepe de Chine fabric, and meticulously research prints from the V&A archive. I was immediately drawn to their new yellow flower fabric- it’s so cheerful and uplifting! Another bonus about their designs is that founder, Mike Stephens, is also apparently a Swing dancer, so I find most of their designs dance-floor appropriate.
The brand has a fascinating and “authentically vintage” story: Mike, formerly a designer and supplier for high street giants including Top Shop and River Island, inherited a original 1940s dress patterns along with tutoring in dressmaking from ‘The Seamstress of Bloomsbury’ herself, Miss Lillian Wells. She was a master seamstress who came to prominence from the 1940s, working with aristocracy in the exclusive Bloomsbury in London, and eventually, demand for her exquisite sewing skills came in from clients all over the world. The brand is a tribute to her work, and the attention to vintage detail is second to none.
New prints at Sourpuss Clothing
I have (almost) no words other than: I NEED the skirt with the “Bitch, Peas” print! Sourpuss was born in 2001, with roots in the punk and oi scenes. They offer “Punk rock, tattoo inspired, rockabilly and vintage styled clothing, accessories and housewares”- pretty much everything you could want!
I NEED EVERYTHING IN THIS PRINT!!
I’m a big fan of their rebellious humour, and vintage inspired designs with a rockabilly edge to them. They even have kids and baby clothing so you can start off the next generation at an early age!
Alt. designs for kids!
At this event I found myself particularly drawn to accessories, and these colourful shoes from Lulu Hun really captured my imagination (and later, my wallet!). I inspected their soles for dance-shoe potential… conclusion: they are smooth resin, so could work as-is, or easy to fit a suede sole if desired- yay!
Gorgeous brogued Oxfords from Lulu Hun
Swing dance potential here!
They are available at stores such as Collectif here.
Now, Voyager!
Now, Voyager! offer an absolutely adorable range of eccentric hair accessories. Designers Rayna and Amie, are inspired by diverse influences: named after the 1942 film starring Bette Davis set on a cruise liner, there is 40s and 50s pin-up influence, but also references to the kawaii Lolitas of Harajuku.
Good enough to eat!
Their designs mix glamour and silliness, offering clips and fascinators with cakes, lollipops, birds, flowers, toys, and even sailing boats. Their mantra is “beauty that doesn’t take itself too seriously”, something I can definitely get behind!
London Edge, the February 2018 edition, was as inspiring as ever! It was great to see the new collections from some of my favourite brands, and I’m looking forward to fun-filled seasons ahead!
